I think that if in your heart, you are seeking out a real puzzle, and you're not looking to frighten anybody, you're not looking to upset anybody, and you're looking to discuss a subject that you yourself went through when you were nine - you just don't remember the difficulties of one's own childhood.

Children do live in fantasy and reality; they move back and forth very easily in a way we no longer remember how to do.

A book is really like a lover. It arranges itself in your life in a way that is beautiful.

All I liked to do when I was a kid was draw.

I'm not jaded. I never have been jaded. I've always been surprised at my success. I've always enjoyed it.

I never thought of Bumble-Ardy in that way. But I still have that same deep feeling for children who are in dire trouble. I see Bumble-Ardy as a lonely, unhappy kid who is doing the very best he can to be in the world, to have a party.

Kids don't know about best sellers. They go for what they enjoy. They aren't star chasers and they don't suck up. It's why I like them.